Value Chain & MSME Advisor (Retainer)
Organizational Context
The Asia Pacific Regional Office oversees UNOPS operations across 17 countries, focusing on strategic leadership and operational excellence. It supports diverse sectors including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management to implement sustainable development solutions. The Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) has shifted its focus to life-saving initiatives and basic human needs, managing cash-for-work programs and emergency supplies.
Job Purpose
The Value Chain & MSME Advisor provides senior technical leadership and policy guidance for the Private Sector Resilience Project (PSRP). This role is crucial for designing, managing, and monitoring value chain matching grant structures and business acceleration programs. The Advisor ensures interventions are commercially viable, leads quality assurance for value chain mappings, and collaborates with implementing partners on capacity building and technical assistance to enhance MSME capabilities and access to finance.
Responsibilities
Serve as the principal technical expert on value chain support and MSME development for the PSRP project, providing expert advice to the project team. Support implementing partners in developing eligibility and selection criteria for Value Chain Groups and auditing matching fund structures to prevent market distortions. Design and implement startup acceleration programs, including performance-based matching grants, and develop robust technical verification and monitoring protocols. Liaise with implementing partners and World Bank/IFC stakeholders on technical matters, ensuring PSRP's representation in relevant discussions. Review and provide technical input on procurement documents and contract management for grantees. Contribute to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and training programs, documenting lessons learned and best practices. Ensure gender, social inclusion, and sustainability considerations are integrated into project design and implementation.
Work Experience
Requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in value chain and MSME development, with broad technical expertise in at least two relevant sectors. Experience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, working with World Bank-financed projects, and designing/monitoring matching grant schemes is desirable. Prior experience with incubators/accelerators and knowledge of Afghanistan's context are also beneficial.
Skills
Value Chain Development, MSME Development, Matching Grant Schemes, Business Acceleration, Technical Advisory, Stakeholder Engagement, Capacity Building, Market Analysis, Public-Private Partnerships, Financial Services.